Apparatus for mounting a plurality of monitors having adjustable distance to a viewer

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for mounting a plurality of display monitors is disclosed, wherein the apparatus is provided at a user&#39;s desk or workstation. The apparatus can be easily moved toward and away from the user such that all the monitors mounted on the apparatus move in unison in the direction indicated by the user. Accordingly, the apparatus accommodates the visual preferences of virtually all users of the desk or workstation so that eye and skeletal muscle fatigue are reduced.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/666,512, filed Mar. 29, 2005 which is fullyincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward a method of providing amechanism to the computer user for the effortless manual or automatedadjustment of LCD computer monitors to enable proper focal lengths andview angles for individual or multiple users at a single workstation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Individual computer users typically have differing visual and physicalrequirements for optimal viewing of computer screens. Inappropriatefocal lengths or distance from the eye to the computer screen can causevisual fatigue, headaches or other symptoms of eye strain. Impropermonitor heights can result in muscular strain and fatigue as well. Anability to quickly and effortlessly achieve proper adjustment ofmonitors has the potential to reduce eye strain and muscular fatigueresulting in higher productivity and reduced worker's compensationclaims as well as lowered levels of absenteeism related to thesephysical problems associated with intensive computer usage.

Attempts have been made to alleviate these problems using “monitorarms”—an articulating segmented arm which has a joint between two ormore sections allowing the arm to be moved forward and back directly inline with the user's line of sight. A ball mount is typically attachedto the end of the outermost arm which allows the attached monitor to beadjusted for pan and tilt. Such “monitor arms” typically require afriction type adjustment mechanism at each joint to prevent unwantedmovement and a rigid mounting method which will prevent tipping forwarddue to the weight of the arm and attached monitor. Some versions ofmonitor arms include an up/down feature to adjust for proper view anglesand these must be “balanced” to the weight of the attached monitor.

The above noted attempts to solve the problems of eye strain and relatedmusculoskeletal injuries are offset by the difficulty of making properand periodic adjustments to maintain the friction connections at thejoints. The nature of the articulated arm design prevents the free andeasy movement forward and back needed to make proper focal lengthadjustments. Adjustment requires the user to “fight” the tendency of themonitor arm to move sideways rather than directly forward or back. Armswith height adjustment require precise balancing to match the weight ofthe attached monitor. The tendency of most users, if adjustment isdifficult, is to do nothing which negates the value of the investment inmonitor arms and puts users at a higher risk of visual andmusculoskeletal problems.

The increasing prevalence of multiple monitor workstations used by aplurality of different users simply multiplies the degree of difficultyinvolved in making the proper adjustments and lessens the likelihood ofconsistent compliance with health, safety and ergonomic adjustmentguidelines promulgated by the Occupational Health and SafetyAdministration (OSHA), the American National Standards Institute(ANSI)/Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) in the United Statesand the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in Europeand other countries of the world. Moreover, providing multiple monitorson articulated arms can be even more difficult for users toappropriately position due to size and weight of the resultingconfiguration. Additionally, configuring such a multiple monitorarticulated arm so that adequate range of arm movement is providedrequires supporting/mounting the arm on a wall, floor, or a rigidworksurface due to the substantial torque resulting from extending thearm.

Accordingly, it is desirable to have a multiple monitor supportapparatus that can be provided at a user's desk or workstation, whereinthe apparatus can slidably glide over the desktop of the desk orworkstation in manner that: (a) addresses the above-identified health,safety and ergonomic adjustment guidelines, (b) does so with reducedadjustments by the user(s), and (c) does so with substantially no torquethat articulated arms generate when extended. These apparatus describedhereinbelow provides these benefits as well as others.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A monitor mounting system (and method therefor) is disclosed formounting a plurality of computer monitors (e.g., flat panel or LCDmonitors) so that a user can easily view each of the plurality ofmonitors from substantially a single sitting or standing position. Inparticular, the monitor mounting system attaches to a desk orworkstation so that the entire monitor mounting system can be easilymoved toward or away from a user working (either sitting or standing) atthe desk or workstation.

The monitor mounting system includes a monitor rack for mountingthereon, e.g., up to 10 or more large monitors. The monitor rack orframe is secured to a platform which is supported on an upwardly facingsurface (e.g., a work surface or desktop) of the desk or workstation ina manner that allows the platform and the monitor rack to be easilymoved toward or away from a designated work position at the desk orworkstation. Embodiments of the monitor mounting system may includerollers, ball bearing wheels, bands, tracks or belts (all such itemsreferred to as “rollers” herein) for movably supporting the platform(and the mounting rack) on the user's desktop. Thus, the rollers roll orglide on the desktop, preferably without a track or channel beingembedded in the desktop for defining a path for any of the rollers.

To constrain or restrict the movement of the monitor mounting system toa predetermined path and range across the desktop, alignment guides areprovided, wherein these guides also secure the monitor mounting systemto the desk or workstation. Each alignment guide may include telescopingor retractable/extendable portions, wherein a first of these portions issecured to the desk or workstation, and a second portion is secured tothe platform. In some embodiments, such alignment guides are positionedbetween the desktop and the platform.

Embodiments of the monitor mounting system can provide verticaladjustments for the mounted monitors. In one embodiment, a monitor canbe slidably secured to substantially any position along a verticallength of a mounting rail of the rack. In particular, each monitor of ahorizontal row of mounted monitors may be individually verticallypositioned so that, e.g., monitors with different sized or shapeddisplays can have their corresponding display center points aresubstantially horizontally aligned (e.g., within ¼ inch vertically ofone another). Additionally or alternatively, an entire horizontal row ofmounted monitors may be vertically adjusted.

Embodiments of the monitor mounting system can be easily retrofittedonto an existing desk or workstation by fastening the alignment guidesto the desk or workstation.

Embodiments of the monitor mounting system may also include one or morehand grips provided in one or more locations on the platform and/or rackfor assisting a user in adjusting the position of the monitor mountingsystem (i.e., adjusting the position of the rack and its mountedmonitors relative to the user's predetermined user work space adjacentto the desk or workstation).

Embodiments of the monitor mounting system also can be motorized so thatthe position of at least the platform and the rack (together with itsmounted monitors) can be adjusted using a motor rather than by a userpushing or pulling on the monitor mounting system. Such motorizedembodiments may include sensors that can detect resistance to movementon the monitor mounting system as a user safety precaution.

Embodiments of the monitor mounting system are particularly useful wherethe monitors are mounted along an arc in front of the user so that theuser's eyes are substantially at the center of the circle correspondingto this arc. In some embodiments, the distance between the user's eyesand the center of each monitor display (or at least ⅔ of the monitors)varies by, e.g., no more than about 5% when the user is positionedappropriately at the desk or workstation (e.g., when the user is in apredetermined position relative to the monitor mounting system).Accordingly, such embodiments of the monitor mounting system can be usedto meet the guidelines established by the American National StandardsInstitute (ANSI) and the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) forproviding an ergonomic worksite where muscle strain, eye strain, andgeneral user fatigue can be reduced. In satisfying such guidelines,embodiments of the monitor mounting system provide the capabilities tobe adjusted:

-   -   (a) to a user desired distance from the user's eyes;    -   (b) so that the view angle from the user's horizontal eye level        to the center of each monitor screen can be between 15° and 20°        below this horizontal eye level; and    -   (c) so that the screen of each mounted monitor is substantially        perpendicular to the user's line of sight (e.g., no greater        deviation from the perpendicular than 5 degrees in any        direction) when the user looks in the direction of the screen        from a predetermined user work space adjacent to the desk or        workstation.

Embodiments of the monitor mounting system can be characterized asfollows:

-   (A.1) A computer monitor mounting apparatus for mounting a plurality    of monitors, comprising:    -   a platform having at least one guide attached thereto, wherein        the guide also contacts an upwardly facing surface so that the        guide maintains the platform on a predetermined path on the        upwardly facing surface when the platform moves on the upwardly        facing surface; and    -   a frame extending above the platform, the frame providing        mountings for suspending a plurality of the computer monitors        above the platform;    -   wherein the guide includes parts that move relative to one        another within a space between the upwardly facing surface and        the platform.-   (A.2) The computer monitor mounting system of (A.1), wherein the    guide includes a portion that is fixedly attached to the upwardly    facing portion.-   (A.3) The computer monitor mounting system of (A.1), wherein the    guide is attached to the surface wherein at least one guide    telescopes during movement of the monitor mounting apparatus over    the upwardly facing surface.-   (A.4) The computer monitor mounting system of (A.1), wherein at    least one guide retracts and extends during movement of the monitor    mounting apparatus over the upwardly facing surface.-   (A.5) The computer monitor mounting system of (A.1), wherein the    platform has a range of movement along the predetermined path of at    least 13 inches.-   (A.6) The computer monitor mounting system of (A.1), wherein the    platform has a range of movement along the predetermined path of    less than 20 inches.-   (A.7) The computer monitor mounting system of (A.1), wherein the    platform includes wheels at least partially recessed within the    platform.-   (A.8) The computer monitor mounting system of (A.1), wherein the    platform is supported on the surface.-   (A.9) The computer monitor mounting system of (A.1), wherein the    surface includes a substantially horizontal desktop.-   (A.10) The computer monitor mounting system of (A.1), further    including rollers for rolling the platform on the surface.-   (A.11) The computer monitor mounting system of (A.10), wherein the    rollers move over the surface without traveling within track or    channel for at least a portion of a travel extent for the rollers.-   (A.12) The computer monitor mounting system of (A.1), wherein at    least two of the monitors have different size displays, and each of    the at least two monitors is vertically positioned on the monitor    mounting apparatus so that their corresponding display center points    are substantially horizontally aligned with one another.-   (A.13) The computer monitor mounting system of (A.1), wherein the    frame includes a plurality of vertical posts extending from the    platform, wherein the posts convey the weight of the monitors to the    platform.-   (A.14) The computer monitor mounting system of (A.13), wherein the    frame includes one horizontal rail attached to the posts, wherein at    least one of the monitors is supported on the rail.-   (A.15) The computer monitor mounting system of (A.14), wherein the    rail is vertically adjustable on the posts.-   (A.16) The computer monitor mounting system of (A.14), wherein for    each of the monitor displays on the rail, a variation in distances    between: (a) a center point of the monitor display, and (b) a user's    eyes, when the user is in a position relative to the monitor    mounting system, is at most 1½ inches.-   (A.17) The computer monitor mounting system of (A.16), wherein the    variation is at most ¾ inches.-   (A.18) The computer monitor mounting system of (A.14), wherein there    are at least two one of the monitors.-   (A.19) The computer monitor mounting system of (A.18), wherein a    maximum variation between: (a) a user's eyes in a particular    position relative to the monitor mounting system, and a first    monitor display on a first of the rails, and (b) the user's eyes in    the particular position, and a second monitor display on a second of    the rails is less than 2 inches.-   (A.20) The computer monitor mounting system of (A.14), wherein the    rail extends through an arc in a range of 60 degrees to 110 degrees    relative to a user's eyes in a particular position relative to the    monitor mounting system.-   (A.21) The computer monitor mounting system of (A.1), further    including one or more hand grips for use in moving the platform on    the surface.-   (A.22) The computer monitor mounting system of (A.1), wherein a    distance between a user's eyes, when the user is in a particular    position relative to the monitor mounting system, and a center of    each display of at least two thirds of the monitors varies by no    more than about 5%.-   (A.23) The computer monitor mounting system of (A.1), wherein the    monitors are adjustable on the monitor mounting apparatus so that a    view angle from a user's horizontal eye level to the center of each    monitor screen is between 15° and 20° below the horizontal eye level    when the user is in a predetermined position relative to the monitor    mounting system.-   (A.24) The computer monitor mounting system of (A.1), wherein the    monitors are adjustable on the monitor mounting apparatus so that    each monitor display has no greater a deviation between a normal to    the display and a user's line of sight than 5 degrees when the user    is in a particular position relative to the monitor mounting system.-   (B.1) A computer monitor mounting apparatus for mounting a plurality    of monitors, comprising:    -   a platform having at least one guide attached thereto, wherein        the guide also contacts a substantially horizontal upwardly        facing surface so that the guide maintains the platform on a        predetermined path on the upwardly facing surface when the        platform moves across the upwardly facing surface, wherein the        guide telescopes in a direction of the path; and    -   a frame extending above the platform, the frame including at        least one rail for suspending a plurality of the computer        monitors above the platform.-   (B.2) The computer monitor mounting system of (B.1), wherein for    each of at least some of the monitors, a corresponding mounting    attaches the monitor to the rail wherein the mounting provides a    horizontal range of rotation of at least 120 degrees for the    monitor.-   (B.3) The computer monitor mounting system of (B.1), wherein the    frame includes two rails vertically spaced apart above the platform.-   (B.4) The computer monitor mounting system of (B.1), wherein the    monitors move in unison with a movement of the platform along the    predetermined path.-   (C.1) A method for mounting a plurality of monitors, comprising:    -   providing a platform having at least one guide attached thereto,        wherein the guide also contacts a substantially horizontal        upwardly facing surface so that the guide maintains the platform        on a predetermined path on the upwardly facing surface, wherein        the guide telescopes in a direction of the path;    -   providing a frame extending above the platform, the frame        including one or more rails for suspending a plurality of the        monitors above the platform; and    -   providing adjustable mounts for attaching the monitors to the        one or more rails, wherein at least some of the mounts includes        a ball and corresponding socket for adjusting an orientation of        a corresponding monitor mounted on one of the rails by the ball        and corresponding socket;    -   adjusting at least one of: (i) a distance of the platform from a        user in a predetermined position relative to the upwardly facing        surface, (ii) a vertical height of the at least one rail,        and (iii) an orientation of a display of at least one of the        monitors by moving the ball within the corresponding socket so        that a display of the at least monitor is in a preferred user        viewing orientation.-   (D.1) A computer monitor mounting apparatus for mounting a plurality    of monitors, comprising:    -   a platform having at least one guide attached thereto, wherein        the guide also contacts an upwardly facing surface so that the        guide maintains the platform on a predetermined path on the        upwardly facing surface when the platform moves on the upwardly        facing surface; and    -   a frame extending above the platform, the frame providing        mountings for suspending a plurality of the computer monitors        above the platform upon a substantially horizontal rail;    -   wherein at least one of the mountings includes a member for        vertically adjusting a height of a monitor supported on the rail        via at least one of the mountings, wherein the member includes a        plurality of vertical adjustment positions.

Further description of advantages, benefits and patentable aspects ofthe present disclosure will become evident from the accompanyingdrawings and description hereinbelow. All novel aspects of thedisclosure, whether mentioned explicitly in this Summary section or not,are considered subject matter for patent protection either singly or incombination with other aspects of this disclosure. Accordingly, suchnovel aspects disclosed hereinbelow and/or in the drawings that may beomitted from, or less than fully described in, this Summary section arefully incorporated herein by reference into this Summary. In particular,all (any) claims of the Claims section hereinbelow are fullyincorporated herein by reference into this Summary section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an operable embodiment of the monitor mounting system 20.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the monitor mounting system 20.

FIG. 3 shows an overhead view of the monitor mounting system 20.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the underside of the platform 28.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a cross section of a post 96.

FIG. 6 shows an orientable subassembly 154 mounted to a rail 136 of anembodiment of the monitor mounting system 20.

FIG. 7 shows a cross section of an embodiment of a rail 136 togetherwith an orientable subassembly 154 for mounting thereon.

FIG. 8 shows another view of the cross section of the rail 136 togetherwith the orientable subassembly 154 mounted thereon.

FIG. 9 shows the mounting assembly 150 for mounting a monitor 33 to arail 136.

FIG. 10 shows the back of a monitor 33 with an embodiment of the monitormount plate 158 (of the mounting assembly 150) attached thereto.

FIG. 11 shows the mounting of a monitor 33 on to the orientablesubassembly 154 which is in turn mounted on a rail 136.

FIG. 12 shows another view of the monitor 33 mounted on the orientablesubassembly 154 which is in turn mounted on a rail 136.

FIG. 13 shows a front view of an alternative embodiment of the monitormounting system 20.

FIG. 14 shows the “U” shaped attachment 112.

FIG. 15 shows a preferred orientation to the monitor mounting system 20of two users, i.e., a standing male in the 95^(th) percentile in height(having standard body proportions) on the left, and a sitting female inthe 5^(th) percentile in height (having standard body proportions) onthe right.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show a vertical adjustment plate which can be attachedto a rail 136, and upon which the orientable subassembly 154 may beattached at various heights.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-3 show different perspectives of an embodiment of the monitormounting system 20. In particular, FIGS. 1-3 show the monitor mountingsystem 20 installed at a workstation 24 having a curved desktop that issplit into forward desktop or work surface 26 a (FIG. 3) and a reardesktop or work surface 26 b. The monitor mounting system 20 includes aplatform 28 upon which a monitor mounting rack (or merely rack herein)32 is mounted, and which, in turn, has monitors 33 mounted thereon (eachmonitor having a display screen 138). The platform 28 has rollers 34attached to (and partially embedded in) the side 38 (denoted “lowerside” herein) of the platform wherein this side faces the rear desktop26 b upon which the monitor mounting system 20 is supported. In thepresent embodiment, there are five rollers 34 (FIGS. 3 and 4)distributed about the lower side 38. Any convenient number of rollers 34and distribution pattern may be used to support the platform 28 as longas the platform rolls on the desktop 26 b without the lower side 38contacting the desktop 26 b. Accordingly, in some embodiments of themonitor mounting system 20, only three rollers 34 may be used, and inother embodiments seven or more rollers may be used. However, to ensurethe monitor mounting system 20 does not tip or become unstable, therollers 34 are preferably provided adjacent to each of the lateral ends48 of the platform 28, at least one roller adjacent the front edge 52 ofthe platform (between the rollers adjacent the lateral ends), and atleast one roller adjacent the rear edge 56 of the platform (between therollers adjacent the lateral ends). The rollers 34 may be ball bearingwheels (as shown in FIG. 4), although cylindrical wheels or track beltsmay also be used. The rollers 34 should be made from a material thatwill not mar or scratch the desktop 26 b. Accordingly, a hard rubber orother elastomeric that is substantially non-deformable when subjectedto, e.g., a weight of 30 to 100 pounds per roller. FIG. 4 shows each ofthe rollers 34 partially embedded in the lower side 38, wherein for eachroller there is a corresponding axle 60 attached to the lower side 38upon which the roller rolls. Note that the axles 60 and their rollers 34are directionally aligned so that the platform 28 is substantially onlymovable in a straight line across the desktop 26 b from the front deskedge 64 (FIG. 3) to back desk edge 68, and preferably such a line (e.g.,through the center most roller 34) bisects the front of a workstation 24user when the user is properly positioned facing the workstation. Space72 (FIG. 3) shows where a properly positioned user would be for theworkstation 24, and direction arrow 76 shows the movement of leastresistance of the platform 28 according to the alignment of the rollers34 on their axles.

The monitor mounting system 20 includes alignment guides 80 (FIGS. 2 and3) both for attaching the monitor mounting system to the workstation 24,and for ensuring that the platform 28 moves substantially in thedirection of arrow 76. In one preferred embodiment, such an alignmentguide 80 includes at least one part that moves relative to one anotherin a space between the desktop 26 b and lower side 38 of the platform28, such parts being, e.g., telescoping members, bearings moving withina track, a wheel moving relative to a housing or belt, etc. Referring tothe embodiment of the alignment guides in FIG. 4, each alignment guide80 has a railing housing 84 (FIGS. 3 and 4) that attaches to theworkstation 24, and a railing 88 that attaches to the lower side 38 ofthe platform 28. For each alignment guide 80, its railing housing 84 andrailing 88 join together in a slidable and/or telescoping manner (e.g.,via bearings, or wheels therebetween) so that the railing 88 slidablyextends from and retracts into the railing housing 84 in the directionof arrow 76 for varying the distance to a workstation 24 user byapproximately 13 inches in one embodiment. However, a range for suchvariability in movement of the platform 28 may be from a minimum of 13inches to a maximum of 20 inches. In one embodiment of the alignmentguides 80, bearings are provided within each railing housing 84, thesebearing providing the surfaces within the railing housing upon which itsrailing 88 slides. Such alignment guides 80 may be similar toconventional hardware for drawer guides. Note that since the rollers 34bear the weight of the monitor mounting system 20, the alignment guidesdo not have to withstand relatively high torques when the monitormounting system 20 is extended toward a workstation 24 user.Accordingly, relatively inexpensive sliding mechanisms that can be used,wherein such mechanisms have a height of less than one inch (preferablyin some embodiments, no greater than ¾ of an inch), and can sustainloads of 50 to 200 pounds depending on the direction of the load.However in at least some embodiments, it should noted that the slidingmechanisms do not support the weight of the monitor mounting system 20although it is within the scope of the present invention to have suchsliding mechanisms support the weight of the monitor mounting system 20.However, in each embodiment, the desktop or work surface (more generallyupwardly facing surface) 26 b is sufficiently level so that thefrictional forces between: (a) the work surface 26 b, and (b) therollers and the guides is such that the monitor mounting system 20 doesnot move of its own accord on the work surface 26 b.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the low height profile of at leastsome embodiments of the alignment guides 80 together with the low heightprofile of the rollers 34 (e.g., due to such rollers being partiallyembedded in the platform 28) allows the platform to be in a height rangeof approximately ¾ to 1½ inches from the desktop 26 b surface. Such arange is advantageous in comparison to providing the platform 28 higherabove the desktop 26 b since positioning the monitors 33 higher than theadvantageous range may make it difficult to provide the monitor displays138 at a desired or preferred viewing orientation such as 15 to 20degrees below the horizontal eye level of a user viewing such displays.Moreover, in some embodiments of the monitor mounting system 20, thevertical height of the alignment guides 80 may be less than ¾ of an inch(e.g., ½ inch). Accordingly, the height range recited above may be from½ to 1½ inches.

For each alignment guide 80, its railing 88 attaches to the lower side38 of the platform 28 by screws, bolts or other fasteners. Similarly,each railing housing 84 attaches to the desktop 26 b by fasteners suchas screws, bolts, clamps or the like. The fasteners may secure therailing housing 84 directly to the desktop 26 b, e.g., by embedding someportion of such fasteners into the desktop. However, for a desktop 26 bhaving an overhang at its rear edge 68, a clamp and other similarnon-damaging fasteners may be used. Accordingly, embodiments of themonitor mounting system 20 can be retro-fitted to a desktop withoutdamaging the desktop.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 4, a pair of extensions 90 may beattached to the lower side 38 so that a portion of each extensionextends toward the workstation user. Such extension 90 pairs may be usedas (or combined with) a hand grip 91 for moving the platform 28 (and theattached rack of monitors 33), and/or may used as computer keyboardsupport. Of course other types of hand grips are also within the scopeof the monitor mounting system 20. In particular, instead of a singlehand grip bar (as shown in FIG. 4), separate hand grips may be provided.

It is worth noting that an embodiment of the monitor mounting system 20may use alignment guides 80 without rollers 34. In such an embodiment,the alignment guides 80 must support the weight of the monitor mountingsystem 20. Accordingly, each of the alignment guides 80 can be attachedbetween the platform 28 and the desktop 26 b so that when the system 20is operational, the guide's sides 92 (FIG. 4) that face one of the lowerside 38 or desktop 26 b in the above described embodiments are nowsecured in a vertical orientation. That is, for each of the guides 80,its the opposing edges 94 (FIG. 4) are secured to a different one of thelower side 38 and the desktop 26 b. However, it is likely thatadditional alignment guides 80 would be used in this embodiment; e.g.,at least one additional alignment guide 80 adjacent each of the lateralends 48.

The platform 28 may be shaped to fit on the desktop 26 b of theworkstation 24 substantially without interfering with a user's workspacebetween the user and the monitors 33 mounted on the rack 32. Inparticular, since the desktop 26 b has, in the embodiment shown in FIG.3, a generally arcuate front edge 64, the front edge 52 of the platform28 follows a similar contour. Additionally, the rear edge 56 of theplatform 28 generally follows the contour of the back desk edge 68.

Referring now to the rack or frame 32, it includes vertical posts 96(FIG. 2) that have their lower ends secured to the platform 28 forconveying the weight of, e.g., the monitors 33 to the platform 28. In atleast one embodiment, each post 96 is secured to the platform 28 by athreaded bolt through the platform 28 and into a threaded hole in thepost 96. A horizontal cross sectional view of a post 96 is shown in FIG.5. Note that the cross section (as well as the cross section of othermembers, such as, a rail 136 and/or a horizontal extension 128, eachdescribed below) is substantially square with each side having a recess100 (also denoted variously herein 100 a and 100 b) extending the lengthof the post 96 (alternatively, the rail 136, and/or the horizontalextension 128), wherein each such recess has a restricted opening 104defined by reinforced ledges 108 also extending the length of the post96 (alternatively, extending the length of the rail 136, and/or thehorizontal extension 128). However, note that the cross section of thepost 96 (alternatively, the rail 136 and/or the horizontal extension128) can have other shapes besides the generally square shape shown inFIG. 5. In particular, such a cross section (excluding the shape of anyrecesses similar to recesses 100) may be circular, oval, octagonal oranother polygonal shape. Various attachments can be secured to the posts96 (alternatively, the rail 136 and/or the horizontal extension 128) byproviding post fasteners that enter one of the openings 104, and gripthe adjacent ledges 108. One such post fastener is the “U” shapedattachment 112 shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and (best shown in) FIG. 14 havingtwo opposing trapezoidal side plates 116, wherein a corresponding one ofthe posts 96 is provided within the recess 115 of the “U” shapedattachment, this recess being between the two trapezoidal side plates116 that form the opposing sides of the “U”. Note that the “U” shapedattachment 112 includes a shelf 114 that connects the two side plates116 together, and the shelf has a bore therethrough (not shown) throughwhich a bolt 118 is provided for threadably attaching a T-nut 124thereto. As best shown in FIG. 14, the “U” shaped attachment 112attaches to both the corresponding post 96, and to the underneath sideof a corresponding horizontal extension 128 via a T-nut 124 that istightened against the corresponding reinforced ledges 108 (e.g., asshown in FIG. 5) of each recess 100 shown in FIG. 14.

For attaching the “U” shaped attachment 112 to its corresponding post96, each trapezoidal plate 116 has a bolt 120 extending therethroughinto one of the recesses 100 covered by the plate 116, wherein a T-nut124 is attached to the bolt 120 within the recess 100 for securing thetrapezoidal plate to the side of the post having the recess. A verticalbar 132 may be attached to each horizontal extension 128 by a bolt andnut combination (not shown) that may be also identical to thecombination of the bolt 204 and T-nut 124. For example, since thevertical bar 132 may be hollow, such a bolt 204 can have its shaftfitted through a bore in the end of bar 132 for contacting thehorizontal extension 128 so that the head of this bolt is unable to passthrough the bore, and accordingly remains within the hollow of the bar.A T-nut 124 can then be threaded onto this shaft which extends out thelower end of the bar 128 contacting the horizontal extension 128.Accordingly, since the horizontal extension 128 may include recesses 100(FIGS. 5 and 6) along its longitudinal extent (i.e., horizontal extentin FIGS. 5 and 6), once the T-nut is threaded loosely onto the boltshaft, the T-nut can be slid into the upper most recess 100 of thehorizontal extension. Then, the T-nut can be tightened on the bolt 204(whose head is inside the bar 132) so that the T-nut tightly grabs therecess interior sides (not shown, but in at least one embodiment,identical to the ledges 108 of the post 96 of FIG. 5) of the upper mostrecess 100 of the extension 128.

The combination of the attachment 112, the extension 128 and the bar 132may be used as, e.g., a support for computer cabling, a support for oneor more electrical power outlets or power distribution centers, asupport for mounting for one or more lighting fixtures, a support forone or more audio speakers, and/or a support for various environmentalcontrols (such as air flow, temperature, and ambient lighting controls).Note that post fasteners (e.g., the “U” shaped post fastener 112 alone,or in combination with an extension 128 and/or the bar 132) may beadditionally used as a support for mounting a phone, as a support formounting a holder of a workstation user headset, as a support formounting a chalk or whiteboard, and/or other items that are desirablefor a workstation user to have in arms length proximity when working atthe workstation 24.

Alternative embodiments of such post fasteners include one or morefrictional fasteners for adjustably securing attachments verticallyalong the posts 96, wherein such post fasteners frictionally grip theinterior surfaces of the recess 100 when in a first position, andrelease their grip when provided in a second position. For example, thecenter of gravity of such a post fastener may offset from its post 96sufficiently so that the portions of the fastener that reside in theopposing recesses 100 of the post frictionally bind therein due to thegravity induced torque on the post fastener. Additionally, postfasteners may include various clamps that can be secured to a post 96.In another embodiment, such a fastener may include a ratchetingmechanism that is movable up a post 96 while the ratchets are engaged tothe post, and is movable down the post when the ratchets are disengaged.

There may be two to five or more posts 96 secured vertically to theplatform 28. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, three such posts 96are positioned so that each curved horizontal rail 136 is secured toeach of the three posts. In fact, the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 includestwo vertically spaced apart rails 136 (FIG. 2). Each rail 136 may besecured to the posts 96 by various types of post fasteners as describedabove so that the rails are vertically adjustable along the verticallength of the posts 96. One such post fastener 141 is shown in FIGS. 7and 8, wherein a T-nut (not shown) secures a rail support 143 into arecess 100 a (FIG. 6) which is identical to the recesses 100. Note thatsuch a post fastener 141 may be an embodiment of the “U” shapedattachment 112.

Since the rails 136 extend across a plurality of the posts 96, in atleast some embodiments, it is preferred that each rail be attached tothe posts at predetermined positions via bolts that extend intopredetermined threaded bolt holes in each post. However, the rail(s) 136may be fixedly attached to the posts 96 such as by welding in someembodiments.

The attachment of the rail(s) 136 to the posts 96 provides for avertical spacing between the rails 136, and between the lower rail andthe platform 28, wherein this spacing is effective for:

-   -   (a) mounting a large monitor (having a display screen 138 of,        e.g., 21 inches in diagonal extent) therebetween, as shown in        FIG. 2, wherein each monitor is mounted to a rail 136 from        substantially a center of the monitor as described hereinbelow,        and wherein preferably there is a space between each monitor 33        on the lower row and the top surface of the platform 28 of about        at least ½ inches, and up to 10 inches depending on, e.g., how        best a user viewing angle between 15 degrees and 20 degrees        below the horizontal eye level can be achieved, and    -   (b) achieving a view angle from a workstation user's horizontal        eye level to the center of each monitor screen of between 15°        and 20° below the user's horizontal eye level. Accordingly, the        distance between the platform 28 and the lower rail 136 may be        in the range of approximately 12 inches to 24 inches, and the        distance between the two rails is generally less than 30 inches.

As indicated in FIG. 3, the rail(s) 136 may be curved so that distancebetween each monitor display 138, and the location of where aworkstation 24 user is likely to view the monitor displays issubstantially equal for each monitor in a single horizontal row, andthere is only a slight difference in this distance for monitor displays138 in different rows. For example, in FIG. 3, the variation indistances between the point 140 (corresponding to a location between auser's eyes), and a center point of each of the displays 138 of themonitors 33 (viewed by the user) in a single row may be at most ¾ to 1½inches. Additionally, the maximal variation in distances between thepoint 140 and a center point of each of the displays 138 of monitors 33(viewed by the user) in different rows is less than 2 inches. Moreover,since these variations are substantially independent of the monitor 33viewing distance for monitors viewed within a range of 20 inches to 33inches (which accommodates the preferred viewing range of approximately95% of users), nearly all workstation 24 users are able to view allmonitors 33 with little (if any) need to change their focal distancewhen switching their view between monitors 33. Thus, the monitormounting system 20 reduces eye fatigue and/or strain of workstation 24users. Additionally, the rail(s) 136 may extend through an arc (from thepoint 140) in a range of 60 degrees to 110 degrees (with this arc beingapproximately 90 degrees in FIG. 3). Thus, a workstation 24 user doesnot need to turn his/her head more than a maximum of about 30 to 40degrees (and preferably no more 35 degrees) in any one horizontaldirection to face any one of the monitor displays 138.

FIGS. 6 through 9 show various portions the monitor mounting assembly150 (which best shown in its entirety in FIG. 9). In particular, themonitor mounting assembly 150 includes a orientable subassembly 154(best shown FIGS. 6 and 8), and a monitor mount plate 158 that attachesto the back of a monitor 33 for securing the monitor to the monitormounting assembly 150 as will be described further hereinbelow.

The orientable subassembly 154 includes a monitor attachment plate 162which mates with the monitor mount plate 158 (as described hereinbelow)for adjustably fixing a corresponding one of the monitors 33 to the rail136 in a desired angular position, e.g., relative to a workstation 24user's viewing angle to the monitor. In particular, the ball and socketmay be used that allows the attached monitor 33 to be adjusted (e.g.,tilted) through a conical angle of 150 degrees, wherein a normal to themonitor display 138 may vary by 150 degrees in all directions. That is,such a normal may vary by 75 degrees in all directions from, e.g., ahorizontal axis that goes through the center of the ball 174 (FIG. 6)and towards a properly positioned workstation user within the space 72.FIG. 1 shows monitors 33 that have different tilts relative to a rail136 upon which the monitors are supported.

Additionally, referring to FIGS. 6, 11, and 12, attached to the monitorattachment plate 162 is a monitor angular adjustment piece 170 (FIG. 6)included in the orientable subassembly 154. The monitor angularadjustment piece 170, in turn, includes a hemispherical portion 166 andalso includes the ball 174 referred to hereinabove. At least a majorityof the ball 174 is enclosed within a socket 178 (also included in theorientable subassembly 154) having an upper socket member 182 and alower socket member 186, which in at least one embodiment are mirrorimages of one another. The upper and lower socket members 182 and 186are secured together by two hex head bolts 192 (more generally, tensionadjusters) for tightening and loosening the members 182 and 186 aboutthe ball 174, these bolts 192 are also included in the orientablesubassembly 154. Thus, when the bolts 192 are loosened, the workstation24 user's viewing angle of the display 138 may be adjusted, and when thebolts 192 are tightened, the display can have its angular orientationfixed. Note that the bolts 192 may be replaced by screws, nut and boltcombinations, or other adjustable tightening components such as a quickrelease assembly used to tighten and release bicycle tires to the frameof a bicycle via a manually pivotable lever. The upper and lower socketmembers 182 and 186 are pivotally attached to a rail attachment member196 (also included in the orientable subassembly 154) by a pivot pin(not shown) of the rail attachment member, wherein the pivot pin iscoincident with pivot axis 197 (dashed line, FIGS. 6 and 12), andwherein the pivot pin is seated within the rail attachment member 196and extends between an upper portion 198 of the rail attachment memberand a lower portion 199 of the rail attachment member. For the monitor33 attached to the orientable subassembly 154 having the pivot pin, thepivot pin allows this monitor to rotate about the axis 197 through arange of 90 degrees to 120 degrees. Accordingly, when this range iscombined with the angular range provided by the ball 174 in the socketformed by the upper and lower socket members 182 and 186, the entirehorizontal angular range may be greater than 120 degrees, and in atleast some embodiments, 180 degrees or greater.

The rail attachment member 196 attaches to a rail 136 as shown in FIGS.7 and 8. In particular, there may be a back plate 200 for the railattachment member 196, wherein the back plate may be integral with therail attachment member 196, or (as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) a separatepart to which the rail attachment member is secured by two bolt and nutpairs 202, wherein the bolts thereof each may extend through the railattachment member. Note that the back plate 200 also has a pair ofhorizontally spaced apart bores (not shown). Through each such bore abolt 204 (FIGS. 6 and 7) extends, and a T-nut 124 (FIG. 7) threadablyattaches thereto (only one such bolt/nut pair is shown in the figures).Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 7, when the T-nut 124 is orientedsubstantially as shown relative to the recess 100, the T-nut can slideinto the recess and is held therein by the reinforced ledges 108. Whenboth T-nuts 124 are slidably received in the recess 100, the entiremonitor mounting assembly 150 can slide horizontally along the rail 136until a desired position is reached, and then the pair of T-nuts 124 canbe tightened on their bolts 204 to secure the monitor mounting assembly150 in place. Thus, a monitor 33 attached to the monitor mountingassembly 150, can be both: (a) horizontally adjusted along a rail 136,and additionally (b) angularly positioned so that the monitor display138 can be tilted vertically relative to a horizontal axis 212 (FIG. 2,upper right-hand monitor 33) of the display 138, and rotated relative toa vertical axis 216 of the display). Accordingly, such adjustments andangular positioning of the monitors 33 facilitate a reduction of bothuser eye strain and skeletal muscle fatigue since workstation 24 userscan readily view the monitor displays 138. Such adjustment is desirableso that the plane of each of the monitor displays 138 (FIGS. 2 and 3),at the center of the display, can be desirably oriented to besubstantially normal to the direction that a workstation user views thedisplay 138. Additionally, the TABLE A below compares ergonomic featuresof various embodiments of the monitor mounting system 20 (installed on adesktop of an appropriate workstation 24) in comparison to the ergonomiccriteria in the standards document: BSR/HFES 100 Human FactorsEngineering of Computer Workstations© 2002 HFES. It may be advantageousfor the reader to review FIG. 15 in conjunction with TABLE A to obtain amore complete appreciation of how the monitor mounting system 20 assistsin satisfying ergonomic criteria for users viewing multiple monitordisplays simultaneously.

TABLE A Monitor Ergonomic BSR/HFES Mounting Performance Criteria 100System 20 Comments/Explanation Monitor display (138) Requires Designedfor For an embodiment of system 20 adjustment range in a gaze angle ofcompliance for a for use on a fixed height desktop vertical direction;e.g. by −15° to −20° range of users designed for seated use requires aadjusting the vertical from from 5^(th) rail (136) height adjustmentrange height of the rails (136). horizontal percentile female of 12″(e.g., 8″ to 20″) to eye level to (42.35″ eye ht.) accommodate a rangefrom a center of to 95^(th) percentile 5^(th)% seated female to a95^(th)% monitor male (68.4″ eye seated male user. screen height). Foran embodiment of system 20 BSR/HFES for use on a fixed height desktop100 Section designed for standing use requires a 5.2.4.3 pg. rail (136)height adjustment range 18. of 16″ (e.g., 8″ to 24″) to accommodate arange from a 5^(th)% standing female to a 95^(th)% standing male user.Monitor display 138 (up Requires Rail 136 is For an embodiment of system20 to 21″ diagonal display) gaze angle of mounted in a for use on anadjustable height height required for a 5^(th) −15° to −20° range of 8″to desktop (e.g., 26a and 26b) requires percentile seated from 11″ abovea a lowest adjustment range of 23″ female, user (42.35″ eye horizontalmovable desktop from the floor to achieve −15° to height) with monitoreye level to 20 which can −20° gaze angle from horizontal eye mountingsystem 20 center of achieve a lowest level of 5^(th) percentile seatedfemale installed on desktop of monitor adjustment of user. adjustableheight screen 23″. workstation 24. BSR/HFES 100 Section 5.2.4.3 pg 18.Monitor display 138 (up Requires Rail 136 is For an embodiment of system20 to 21″ diagonal) height gaze angle of mounted in a for use on anadjustable height required for a 95^(th) −15° to −20° range of 8″ todesktop (e.g., 26a and 26b) requires percentile standing from 11″ abovea a highest adjustment range of 50″ male (eye height 68.4″) horizontalmovable desktop from the floor to achieve −15° to −20° user with monitoreye level to 20 which can gaze angle from horizontal eye mounting system20 center of achieve a highest level of 95^(th) percentile standinginstalled on desktop of monitor adjustment of male user (68.4″ eyeheight). adjustable height screen 50″. workstation 24. BSR/HFES 100Section 5.2.4.3 pg 18. Focal length 20″ to 33″ 20″ to 33″ BSR/HFES 100guidelines (viewing distance) recommend focal length adjustabilityrange; i.e. adjustability from 50 cm (19.68″) horizontal movement ofminimum to 83 cm (33″) maximum. the monitor mounting Section 5.2.4.3 pg.19. system 20 in the directions of the arrow 76 (FIG. 2). Note to TableA: The publication, Human Factors Engineering of Computer Workstations,BSR/HFES 100, Mar. 31, 2002 is referenced as the source for ergonomicguidelines - i.e. monitor view angles, focal lengths and other ergonomicrequirements for optimal viewing - that is utilized in the design of themonitor mounting system 20 and this reference is fully incorporatedherein by reference.

FIGS. 9 through 11 illustrate how a monitor 33 is attached to themonitor mount plate 158, and additionally how the monitor mount plate158 is secured to the monitor attachment plate 162. In FIG. 9, themonitor mount plate 158 is shown as having folds 230 that form opposingchannels 234 which incline toward one another, with the distance betweenthe upper ends of the channels being smaller than the distance betweenthe lower ends of the channels. When the monitor mount plate 158 isproperly attached to the back of a monitor 33 (FIGS. 10 and 11),preferably by screws 238 threaded into the standardized VESA patternedattachment holes provided in the back of most flat panel monitors 33,the inclination of the channels 234 mates with the inclined edges 236 ofthe monitor attachment plate 162 (FIGS. 9 and 11) for supporting themonitor 33 on the monitor mounting assembly 150. In particular, when amonitor 33 is positioned as shown in FIG. 11 so that the monitor can bemoved according to arrow 239 for mating the channels 234 and edges 236,the inclination of the mating channels 234 and edges 236 cause themonitor 33 to be aligned on the monitor attachment plate 162 so thateach of the four edges 236 rests against the interior crease of one ofthe folds 230. Thus, the cutouts 240 in the monitor attachment plate 162align with slots 244 in the folds 230 so that the pivoting tab locks 248can be rotated (according to the rotational direction arrows 252, FIG.11) through the slots 244 to seat within a corresponding one of thecutouts 240 thereby locking the monitor 33 to the monitor mountingassembly 150. Note that an embodiment of the monitor mounting assembly150 is manufactured by Knape and Vogt located at 2700 Oak IndustrialDrive North East, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49505, and having a model numberof MA100B.

FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of the monitor mounting system 20,wherein there is a single row of monitors 33. This embodimentillustrates the mounting of monitors 33 that vary in size from 15 inchesto 23 inches (diagonally across the display 138, as monitors arenormally measured). However, even though the monitors 33 vary in size,the centerline that horizontally bisects each monitor's display 138 iscoincident with the axis 256. Thus, a workstation 24 user needs to onlyshift or move his/her eyes horizontally when shifting his/her focus fromone display 138 to another. Moreover, such an alignment of thehorizontal centerlines of each monitor 33 in a row also is achieved inmulti-row embodiments of the monitor mounting system 20 since the VESAhole pattern is generally centered on the back of each monitor 33.However, if there is no central hole pattern on the back of a monitor33, then such a hole pattern can be readily provided as one skilled inthe art will understand.

Note that embodiments of the monitor mounting system 20 can be used witha workstation having a single non-split desktop. Additionally themonitor mounting system 20 can be used with a desktop that isrectangular, oval or “U” shaped. The primary constraint to be satisfiedis that the desktop have a sufficient amount of surface area to supportthe platform 28 along the extent of its movement, and that the desktopbe sufficiently stable and strong to support the monitor mounting system20.

In some embodiments, indicia may be provided with the monitor mountingsystem 20 for identifying the distance of the monitor mounting systemfrom, e.g., a workstation 24 user. Thus, a first user may easily adjustthe distance of the monitor mounting system 20 to a first preferreddistance by moving, e.g., the platform 28 to a first position indicatedon the indicia, and a second user may easily adjust the distance of themonitor mounting system 20 to a second preferred distance by moving theplatform 28 to a second position indicated on the indicia. The indiciamay be attached to the desktop upon which the monitor mounting system 20rolls (or otherwise moves); e.g., the indicia may be provided on anadhesive tape or laminate that extents along the platform 28 path ofmovement so that distances to the front edge of the desktop (e.g.,desktop 26 b) can be determined. Alternatively, such indicia may beprovided by distance measurement device that detects movement of theplatform 28; e.g., a mechanical, optical, or electro-mechanical distancemeasuring device attached to one of the rollers 34 for measuringplatform movement. Moreover, in a motorized embodiment of the monitormounting system 20, a workstation user may input a preferred distance towhich he/she desires the monitor mounting system to be moved.

In some embodiments, the monitor mounting system 20 may include varioustypes of brakes or friction inducing mechanisms for assuring that themonitor mounting system stays in a preferred position. Such brakes orfriction mechanisms may contact the desktop: (a) at all times therebyadding sufficient friction to prevent most undesired monitor mountingsystem 20 movement (e.g., due to a slanted desktop, or an inadvertentbump of the monitor mounting system), or (b) only when a workstationuser activates the brake or friction mechanism (e.g., the user may movea lever that activates and deactivates the brake or friction mechanism).Note that the portion (if any) of the brake or friction mechanism thatcontacts the desktop may be felt, rubber, or other material that willnot mar the desktop. In one embodiment, the brake may be applied to oneor more of rollers 34 instead of contacting the desktop; e.g., a useractivatable clamp may grip one of the rollers to prevent it from rollingon the desktop.

In some embodiments, the lower side 38 of the platform 28 may includecutouts or raised portions that provide space for the platform to moveover (and hide) various items, e.g., used infrequently by a workstationuser. For example, operations manuals, emergency procedure manuals, etc.Additionally and/or alternatively, the upper side of the platform 28 mayinclude various item holders or attachments; e.g., a holder for pens andpencils, an attachment for a phone, holders for paper clips, a consoleattachment for turning on and off various electrical devices associatedwith the workstation (e.g., turning on and off all monitors 33simultaneously).

In some embodiments, the monitor mounting system 20 may include variouscovers or housings. In particular, a housing or hood may be supported onthe platform 28 behind the monitors 33, and/or provided adjacent to (andattached to) the rails 96. The hood may be used to hide the potentiallyextensive amount of cabling that may be needed to operate the monitors33 (and other electronic devices, e.g., speakers, etc.) supported by themonitor mounting system 20. Such a hood may substantially enclose theback of the monitor mounting system 20 that faces away from where a useris positioned to view the monitors 33. Moreover, the hood may includeone or more conduits through which all monitor 33 cables extend, thusmaking it easier to cluster the cables so that, e.g., there is a reducedlikelihood of personnel tripping or inadvertently jerking on a cable anddamaging equipment. Additionally, such a hood may also include a cablebin or receptacle for storing excess cabling so that such cabling isboth readily accessible and not laying on the floor.

The embodiments of the monitor mounting system 20 are particularlyuseful for a worker or user: (a) taking emergency calls, e.g., in aE-911 emergency center, (b) monitoring a closed circuit televisionsystem having a large number of television displays to monitor, (c)monitoring any large number displays such as security or surveillancecenters (e.g., building security, monitoring game play in casinos,military command and control facilities, concert or event security andcrowd control, monitoring of merchandise to identify shoplifters, etc.),and (d) other monitoring tasks such as an array of patient monitors at anurse's station in a hospital.

Note that an alterative embodiment of the orientable subassembly 154 maybe as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,006 filed Nov. 19, 1999 which isfully incorporated herein by reference.

When mounting monitors 33 from, e.g., different manufacturers, along arail 136 as described hereinabove (and as shown in FIGS. 6-8), thecenter points of the displays 138 of the monitors may not be alignedhorizontally, and thus may be substantially non-collinear (e.g., theirheights from a common horizontal surface, such as a floor or the desktop26 b, may vary by more than ¼ inch from one another). This can be due tovariations in the placement of the VESA attachment holes in the back ofmost flat panel monitors 33 relative to the center point of theirmonitor displays. In particular, when mounting different types ofmonitors 33 (e.g., from different manufacturers and/or of differentsizes) on a rail 136, the display center points may vary by enough(e.g., greater than about ¼ inch) to cause user irritation and/or eyefatigue. Accordingly, to alleviate this problem, the back plate 200(FIG. 8) may be embodied as the vertical adjustment plate 300 (FIGS. 16and 17).

FIG. 16 shows a face-on view of such a vertical adjustment plate 300.The adjustment plate 300 includes bores 304 for mounting this plate on arail 136 in, e.g., the manner as described hereinabove for mounting theback plate 200 on a rail 136. That is, a bolt 204 and a T-nut 124 may beprovided for each bore 304 for attaching the vertical adjustment plate300 to a rail 136 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 (as back plate 200) and alsoas shown in FIG. 17. In particular, for each bore hole 304, acorresponding T-nut (e.g., the T-nut 124 identified in FIG. 17) is both:(a) threaded onto a bolt (e.g., the bolt 204 identified in FIG. 17)extending through the hole 304, and (b) positioned within the frontrecess 100 (identified as 100 c in FIG. 17) for securing the adjustmentplate 300 to the rail 136. Accordingly, once each adjustment plate 300is mounted on the rail 136, their corresponding orientable subassemblies154 are attached thereto. For attaching a subassembly 154 to itscorresponding adjustment plate 300, two sequences 302 of adjustmentholes 308 are provided through the adjustment plate 300, wherein theadjustment holes 308 are aligned vertically on each adjustment plate.Thus, two bolt and nut pairs 202 (as in FIGS. 7 and 8) can be used tosecure a orientable subassembly 154 to its adjustment plate 300, whereinthe bolt of each pair 202 is provided through an adjustment hole 308 ofa different one of the sequences 302. Accordingly, for each monitor 133wherein a vertical adjustment is desired, e.g., to horizontally alignthe display center points, a determination is made as to which pair ofadjustment holes 308 to select for providing the bolts of the pairs 202therethrough. For a monitor 33 to be mounted, such a determination maybe made by determining a vertical offset (if any) between the centerpoint of the monitor's display 138, and the center of the VESAattachment hole pattern for the monitor, and then comparing this offsetwith corresponding offsets for the other monitors 33 to be mounted onthe same rail 136. Subsequently, the adjustment holes 308 are selectedfor the monitor that compensates for a deviation from the offsets of theother monitors 33 to be mounted on the same rail 136.

Note that other embodiments of the vertical adjustment plate 300 arealso within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, instead oftwo sequences of discrete adjustment holes 308, a pair of elongatedslots may be provided wherein each slot extends substantially over therange of a different one of the sequences 302. Thus, substantiallyincreasingly fine vertical adjustments to monitor heights may beprovided.

In some embodiments an additional one or more monitors 33 may be mountedabove the primary (e.g., the lowest) row of monitors 33, wherein eachsuch additional monitor may be mounted to one of the vertical posts 96,e.g., without the monitor being also mounted to a rail 136 that attachesto at least two of the posts 96. In one embodiment, a monitor 33 mayhave the orientable subassembly 154, upon which the monitor issupported, attached directly to one of the vertical posts 96. Forexample, each of the bolt and nut pairs 202 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8may be replaced with a bolt 204 and a T-nut 124 combination forattaching the orientable subassembly 154 to the front recess 100 a(e.g., FIG. 6) of a post 96. Alternatively, such a orientablesubassembly 154 may be mounted to an intermediary component that is thenattached to, e.g., a single post 96, wherein the intermediary componentallows a horizontal offset of the orientable subassembly 154 from thispost. In one embodiment, such a intermediary component may be a shortrail 136 that is attached to a single post 96 (or at least, less thanall of the posts 96). Accordingly, using such short rails 136 (alsodenoted rail segments herein), monitors may be arranged in substantiallyany desired pattern since each monitor may be provided in a customposition. Thus, a monitor 33 having a particular function (e.g.,providing a display of a building entry way) may be mounted in aparticular position so that its display 138 is easily distinguishablefrom the displays 138 of the other monitor mounted to the monitormounting system 20. For example, such monitor 33 might mounted above allother monitors 33 on a center post 96. Moreover, the use of such railsegments allows for such rail segments to be vertically adjusted on avertical post 96 to compensate for various flat panel monitor designswith differing mounting hole locations.

Alternatively/additionally, the above-identified intermediary componentmay be a plate similar to adjustment plate 300, wherein this plate ismounted to a post 94 at a 90 degree orientation to what is shown in FIG.17. In this embodiment, an alternative embodiment of the orientablesubassembly 154 may be used wherein the bolts of the bolt/pairs 202 areprovided in holes through the rail attachment member 196, wherein theholes horizontally spaced apart instead of vertically spaced apart asshown in FIG. 7. Additionally, one of ordinary skill in the art willunderstand that there various other ways of attaching a monitor 33 to apost 96, a rail 136, a rail segment, or a plate. All such ways ofattachment are contemplated by the present disclosure. Moreover, it iswithin the scope of the present disclosure that the orientablesubassembly 154 may use other techniques than a ball and socket fororienting a monitor display 138. For example, the moveable assembly 200of U.S. Patent Application Publication 2005/0088814, filed Oct. 25,2004, and fully incorporated herein by reference, may be used. Note thatdue to the omni-directional adjustability of the orientable subassembly154, an attached monitor 33 may be positioned so that its display 138can be in portrait or landscape orientation.

As discussed above, in some embodiments one or more horizontal rails 136may be unnecessary by using a plurality of properly spaced verticalposts 96 with orientable subassemblies 154 attached to each post. Thisembodiment allows small amounts of horizontal adjustment using amounting plate, such as adjustment plate 300. Moreover, the height ofeach vertical post 96 may be extended so as to allow two or moremonitors 33 to be vertically stacked thereon.

The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description. Further, the description isnot intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein.Consequently, variation and modification commiserate with the aboveteachings, within the skill and knowledge of the relevant art, arewithin the scope of the present invention. The embodiment describedhereinabove is further intended to explain the best mode presently knownof practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art toutilize the invention as such, or in other embodiments, and with thevarious modifications required by their particular application or usesof the invention. The present disclosure further contemplates methodsfor assembling, distributing and/or manufacturing the monitor mountingsystem 20. Additionally, note that the use of the monitor mountingsystem 20 includes the steps of: (a) a user facing the workstation 24,(b) the user positioning him/herself so that his/her substantially inspace 72; (c) the user determining (if necessary) one or more of: (i) avertical height adjustment of a rail 136, (ii) an orientation of one ormore displays 138, and (iii) a distance of the monitor mounting system20 from the user so that, e.g., the above-identified ergonomic settingsare appropriate to the user's physical characteristics; (d) adjusting(if necessary) one or more of (c)(i) through (c)(iii) above so that theabove-identified preferred ergonomic monitor viewing settings areprovided for the user; and (e) the user viewing the displays 138 fromthe space 72.

1. A computer monitor mounting apparatus for mounting a plurality ofmonitors, comprising: a plurality of monitors; a platform having atleast one guide attached thereto, wherein the guide also contacts anupwardly facing surface so that the guide maintains the platform on apredetermined path along the upwardly facing surface when the platformmoves on the upwardly facing surface; a frame extending above theplatform and attached thereto for moving with the platform when theplatform moves along the predetermined path, the frame providingmountings supporting the plurality of the monitors above the platform;wherein the guide includes parts that move relative to one anotherwithin a space between the upwardly facing surface and the platform; andone or more wheels or rollers for rolling the platform on the upwardlyfacing surface, wherein the wheels or rollers move over the upwardlyfacing surface without traveling within a track or channel for at leasta portion of a travel extent for the wheels or rollers, each wheel orroller having an extent that rotatably contacts the upwardly facingsurface when the platform moves along the predetermined path.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the guide includes a portion that isfixedly attached to the upwardly facing surface.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one guide is attached to the upwardlyfacing surface, wherein the at least one guide telescopes duringmovement of the monitor mounting apparatus over the upwardly facingsurface.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one guideretracts and extends during movement of the monitor mounting apparatusover the upwardly facing surface.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe platform has a range of movement along the predetermined path of atleast 13 inches.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the platform has arange of movement along the predetermined path of less than 20 inches.7. A computer monitor mounting apparatus for mounting a plurality ofmonitors, comprising: a platform having at least one guide attachedthereto, wherein the guide also contacts an upwardly facing surface sothat the guide maintains the platform on a predetermined path along theupwardly facing surface when the platform moves above the upwardlyfacing surface; wherein the guide includes parts that move relative toone another within a space between the upwardly facing surface and theplatform; and a frame extending above the platform and attached theretofor moving with the platform when the platform moves along thepredetermined path, the frame providing support for mountings, whereinthe mountings connect a plurality of the monitors to the frame above theplatform; one or more wheels or rollers for rolling the platform on theupwardly facing surface, wherein the wheels or rollers move over theupwardly facing surface without traveling within a track or channel forat least a portion of a travel extent for the wheels or rollers; andwherein the wheels or rollers are at least partially recessed within theplatform.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the upwardly facingsurface includes a substantially horizontal desktop.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 7, wherein the frame includes a plurality of vertical postsextending from the platform, wherein the posts convey the weight of themonitors to the platform.
 10. A computer monitor mounting apparatus formounting a plurality of computer monitors, comprising: a platform havingat least one guide attached thereto, wherein the guide also contacts anupwardly facing surface so that the guide maintains the platform on apredetermined path along the upwardly facing surface when the platformmoves relative to the upwardly facing surface; wherein the guideincludes parts that move relative to one another within a space betweenthe upwardly facing surface and the platform; and a frame extendingabove the platform and attached thereto for moving with the platformwhen the platform moves along the predetermined path, the frameproviding support for mountings, wherein the mountings have both frameattachments to engage the frame, and monitor attachments to attach tothe monitors; wherein the computer monitors are provided along an arc ofthe frame such that for a corresponding display for each of at leasttwo-thirds of the computer monitors, and for at least one positionfacing the displays, a distance between: (a) the at least one position,and (b) a center of the corresponding display, varies by no more thanabout 5% from a distance between the at least one position and a centerof the corresponding display for each of the other computer monitors ofthe at least two thirds of the computer monitors.
 11. A computer monitormounting apparatus for mounting a plurality of monitors, comprising: aplatform having at least one guide attached thereto, wherein the guidealso contacts an upwardly facing surface so that the guide maintains theplatform on a predetermined path along the upwardly facing surface whenthe platform moves on the upwardly facing surface; a frame extendingabove the platform and attached thereto for moving with the platformwhen the platform moves along the predetermined path, the frameproviding support for mountings, wherein the mountings have both frameattachments to attach to the frame, and monitor attachments to attach tothe monitors; wherein the guide includes parts that move relative to oneanother within a space between the upwardly facing surface and theplatform; and one or more wheels or rollers for rolling the platform onthe upwardly facing surface, wherein the wheels or rollers move over theupwardly facing surface without traveling within a track or channel forat least a portion of a travel extent for the wheels or rollers, eachwheel or roller having an extent that rotatably contacts the upwardlyfacing surface when the platform moves along the predetermined path; andwherein for each position of a plurality of operative user positions forviewing the monitors wherein a corresponding display for each of themonitors faces the position, the monitors are adjustable on the frame sothat for each of the corresponding displays, a line of sight theretofrom the position has no greater than a 5 degree deviation from a normalto the corresponding display.
 12. A computer monitor mounting apparatusfor mounting a plurality of monitors, comprising: a platform having atleast one guide attached thereto, wherein the guide also contacts asubstantially horizontal upwardly facing surface so that the guidemaintains the platform on a predetermined path along the upwardly facingsurface when the platform moves across the upwardly facing surface,wherein the guide telescopes in a direction of the path; a frameextending above the platform and attached thereto for moving with theplatform when the platform moves along the predetermined path, the frameincluding at least one rail for supporting a plurality of the monitorsabove the platform; and one or more wheels or rollers for rolling theplatform on the upwardly facing surface, wherein the wheels or rollersmove over the upwardly facing surface without traveling within a trackor channel for at least a portion of a travel extent for the wheels orrollers, each wheel or roller having an extent that rotatably contactsthe upwardly facing surface when the platform moves along thepredetermined path; and wherein the monitors are provided along an arcof the frame such that for a corresponding display for each of at leasttwo-thirds of the monitors, and for at least one position facing thedisplays, a distance between: (a) the at least one position, and (b) acenter of the corresponding display, varies by no more than about 5%from a distance between the at least one position and a center of thecorresponding display for each of the other monitors of the at leasttwo-thirds of the monitors.
 13. A computer monitor mounting apparatusfor mounting a plurality of monitors, comprising: a platform having atleast one guide attached thereto, wherein the guide also contacts asubstantially horizontal upwardly facing surface so that the guidemaintains the platform on a predetermined path along the upwardly facingsurface when the platform moves across the upwardly facing surface,wherein the guide telescopes in a direction of the path; a frameextending above the platform and attached thereto for moving with theplatform when the platform moves along the predetermined path, the frameincluding at least one rail to support a plurality of the computermonitors above the platform; and one or more wheels or rollers forrolling the platform on the upwardly facing surface, wherein the wheelsor rollers move over the upwardly facing surface without travelingwithin an operatively constraining track or channel for at least aportion of a travel extent for the wheels or rollers, each wheel orroller having an extent that rotatably contacts the upwardly facingsurface when the platform moves along the predetermined path; andwherein for each monitor of at least some of the monitors, acorresponding mounting attaches the monitor to the rail wherein thecorresponding mounting provides a horizontal range of rotation of themonitor relative to the rail, wherein the horizontal range of rotationis at least 120 degrees for the monitor.
 14. The computer monitormounting apparatus of claim 12, wherein the frame includes two railsvertically spaced apart above the platform, each of the two rails forsupporting a different collection of at least two monitors therefrom.15. The computer monitor mounting apparatus of claim 12, wherein themonitors must move in unison with a movement of the platform along thepredetermined path.
 16. A computer monitor mounting apparatus formounting a plurality of monitors, comprising: a platform having at leastone guide attached thereto, wherein the guide also contact an upwardlyfacing surface so that the guide maintains the platform on apredetermined path along the upwardly facing surface when the platformmoves on the upwardly facing surface; a frame extending above theplatform and attached thereto for moving with the platform when theplatform moves along the predetermined path, the frame providingmountings for supporting a plurality of the monitors above the platformupon a substantially horizontal rail, wherein each of the mountings haveboth a corresponding frame attachment to attach the frame and acorresponding monitor attachment to attach to one of the monitors;wherein at least one of the mountings includes a member for verticallyadjusting a height of a monitor supported on the rail, wherein themember includes a plurality of vertical adjustment positions, andwherein at least one of the mountings includes, between itscorresponding frame attachment and corresponding monitor attachment, atilt adjustment for vertically adjusting a tilt of one of the monitors;and one or more wheels or rollers for rolling the platform on theupwardly facing surface, wherein the wheels or rollers move over theupwardly facing surface without traveling within a track or channel forat least a portion of a travel extent for the wheels or rollers.
 17. Acomputer monitor mounting apparatus for mounting a plurality ofmonitors, comprising: a platform having at least one guide attachedthereto, wherein the guide also contacts an upwardly facing surface sothat the guide maintains the platform on a predetermined path on theupwardly facing surface when the platform moves on the upwardly facingsurface; a frame extending above the platform and attached thereto formoving with the platform when the platform moves along the predeterminedpath, the frame having thereon mountings for supporting at least some ofthe plurality of the monitors above the platform via a substantiallyhorizontal rail of the frame, wherein each of the mountings have both aframe attachment to attach to the frame and a monitor attachment toattach to one of the monitors; wherein for at least one position where auser is able to operatively view each of the at least some of themonitors that are mounted on the rail, a variation in distances from theposition to a center point of each of the at least some of the monitorsis less than 1.5 inches; and one or more wheels or rollers for rollingthe platform on the upwardly facing surface, wherein the wheels orrollers move over the upwardly facing surface without traveling within atrack or channel for at least a portion of a travel extent for thewheels or rollers; and wherein the monitors are provided along an arc ofthe frame such that for a corresponding display for each of at leasttwo-thirds of the monitors, and for at least one position facing thedisplays, a distance between: (a) the at least one position, and (b) acenter of the corresponding display, varies by no more than about 5%from a distance between the at least one position and a center of thecorresponding display for each of the other monitors of the at least twothirds of the monitors.
 18. A computer monitor mounting apparatus formounting a plurality of monitors, comprising: a platform having at leastone guide attached thereto, wherein the guide also contacts an upwardlyfacing surface so that the guide maintains the platform on a path on theupwardly facing surface when the :platform moves on the upwardly facingsurface; a frame extending above the platform, and attached thereto, formoving with the platform when the platform moves along the path, theframe having thereon mountings for attaching at least some of theplurality of the monitors above the platform on a substantiallyhorizontal first rail of the frame, and for attaching at least one ofthe monitors, not supported by the first rail, from a substantiallyhorizontal second rail of the frame spaced vertically apart from thefirst rail; wherein the monitors are provided along an arc of the framesuch that for a corresponding display for each of at least two thirds ofthe monitors, and for at least one position facing the displays, adistance between: (a) the at least one position, and (b) a center of thecorresponding display, the distance varies by no more than about 5% fromthe a distance between the at least one position and a center of thecorresponding display for any each of the other monitors of the at leasttwo thirds of the monitors; wherein for at least one position where auser is able to operatively view each of the at least some of themonitors, a variation in distances between: (i)the position to a centerpoint of any of the at least some monitors, and (ii) the position to theat least one monitor, is less than 2 inches; and one or more wheels orrollers for rolling the platform on the upwardly facing surface, whereinthe wheels or rollers move over the upwardly facing surface withouttraveling within a track or channel for at least a portion of a travelextent for the wheels or rollers.
 19. A computer monitor mountingapparatus for mounting a plurality of monitors, comprising: a platformhaving at least one guide attached thereto, wherein the guide alsocontacts an upwardly facing surface so that the guide maintains theplatform on a path on the upwardly facing surface when the platformmoves on the upwardly facing surface; a frame extending above theplatform and attached thereto for moving with the platform when theplatform moves along the path, the frame providing support for mountingson a substantially horizontal rail of the frame, wherein the mountingssupport the plurality of the monitors above the platform via thesubstantially horizontal rail ; wherein for each monitor of theplurality of monitors, a corresponding one of the mountings includes amember that moves vertically relative to a rail attachment portion ofthe corresponding mounting, the member for vertically adjusting a tiltof the monitor relative to the substantially horizontal rail; and one ormore wheels or rollers for rolling the platform on the upwardly facingsurface, wherein the wheels or rollers move over the upwardly facingsurface without traveling within a track or channel for at least aportion of a travel extent for the wheels or rollers.
 20. The computermonitor mounting apparatus of claim 19, wherein a first and a second ofthe plurality of monitors are adjustable independently of one another sothat their corresponding tilts are different.
 21. A computer monitormounting apparatus for mounting a plurality of monitors, comprising: aplatform having at least one guide attached thereto, wherein the guidealso contact an upwardly facing surface having an extent underneath theplatform, wherein the guide maintains the platform along a predeterminedpath of the upwardly facing surface when the platform moves along thepredetermined path; a frame extending above the platform and attachedthereto for moving with the platform when the platform moves along thepredetermined path, the frame having thereon mountings for supporting aplurality of the monitors above the platform, wherein each of themountings has a corresponding frame attachment for attaching to theframe and a corresponding monitor attachment for attaching acorresponding one of the monitors to the frame, and wherein at least oneof the mountings includes, between its corresponding frame attachmentand corresponding monitor attachment, an angular adjustment componentthat provides for adjusting a display face of the corresponding monitorfor the at least one mounting, wherein angular adjustment componentprovides one of a vertical tilt of the display face, and a horizontalangular adjustment of the display face; wherein the guide includes partsthat move relative to one another within a space between the upwardlyfacing surface and the platform; at least one member extendingdownwardly to the extent for supporting the platform thereon, whereinthe member rotates on the upwardly facing surface when the platformmoves along the predetermined path; and one or more wheels or rollersfor rolling the platform on the upwardly facing surface, wherein thewheels or rollers move over the upwardly facing surface withouttraveling within a track or channel for at least a portion of a travelextent for the wheels or rollers.
 22. A computer monitor mountingapparatus for mounting a plurality of monitors, comprising: a platformhaving at least one guide attached thereto, wherein the guide isdownwardly directed from a downwardly facing surface of the platform,and wherein the guide contacts a substantially horizontal upwardlyfacing surface so that the guide maintains the platform on apredetermined path along the upwardly facing surface when the platformmoves across the upwardly facing surface, wherein the guide telescopesin a direction of the path; and a frame extending above the platform,and fixedly attached thereto for moving with the platform when theplatform moves along the predetermined path, the frame including atleast one rail for supporting a plurality of the computer monitorsthereon along a curved path above the platform; wherein for each monitorof the plurality of monitors, there is a corresponding mounting formounting the monitor to the at least one rail, wherein the correspondingmounting includes a member that is movable, relative to a frameattachment member of the mounting, for adjusting a horizontal angularorientation of a display of the monitor relative to the at least onerail, and independently of an angular adjustment of at least one otherof the monitors; and one or more wheels or rollers for rolling theplatform on the upwardly facing surface, wherein the wheels or rollersmove over the upwardly facing surface without traveling within a trackor channel for at least a portion of a travel extent for the wheels orrollers.
 23. The computer monitor mounting apparatus of claim 22,wherein a first of the monitors has a first horizontal angularorientation relative to the at least one rail, and a second of themonitors has a second horizontal angular orientation relative to the atleast one rail different from the first horizontal angular orientation.24. The computer monitor mounting apparatus of claim 22, furtherincluding at least one member extending downwardly to the upwardlyfacing surface for supporting the platform thereon, wherein the memberrotates on the upwardly facing surface when the platform moves along thepredetermined path.
 25. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least oneof the mountings includes a predetermined monitor mount hole pattern.26. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein for each monitor of at least someof the monitors, a corresponding one of the mountings attaches themonitor to a horizontal rail of the frame, wherein the correspondingmounting provides a horizontal range of rotation of at least 120 degreesfor the monitor.
 27. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the monitors areprovided along an arc of the frame such that for a corresponding displayfor each of at least two-thirds of the monitors, and for at least oneposition facing the displays, a distance between: (i) the at least oneposition, and (ii) a center of the corresponding display, varies by nomore than about 5% from a distance between the at least one position anda center of the corresponding display for each of the other monitors ofthe at least two-thirds of the monitors.
 28. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the frame includes at least one substantially horizontal railwherein at least one of the mountings is horizontally slidable along therail.
 29. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame includes asubstantially horizontal rail for supporting at least one of themountings thereon, and further including an adjustment plate forproviding a vertical adjustment of the mounting on the rail, the platesecured between the rail and the at least one mounting, the platesecured separately to each of the rail and the at least one mounting.30. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the mountingsincludes first and second rotational members, wherein when acorresponding one of the monitors is attached to the at least onemounting, the first rotational member provides a first rotation rangefor both the second rotational member and the corresponding monitor, andthe second rotational member provides an additional rotation range forthe corresponding monitor.
 31. A computer monitor mounting apparatus formounting a plurality of monitors, comprising:: a platform having atleast one guide attached thereto, wherein the guide also contacts anupwardly facing surface so that the guide maintains the platform on apredetermined path along the upwardly facing surface when the platformmoves on the upwardly facing surface; a frame extending above theplatform and attached thereto for moving with the platform when theplatform moves along the predetermined path, the frame providingmountings for supporting a plurality of the computer monitors above theplatform; wherein the guide includes parts that move relative to oneanother within a space between the upwardly facing surface and theplatform; and one or more wheels or rollers for rolling the platform onthe upwardly facing surface, wherein the wheels or rollers move over theupwardly facing surface without traveling within a track or channel forat least a portion of a travel extent for the wheels or rollers whereinsuch a track or channel would operatively constrain the platform to thepredetermined path.
 32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the monitorsare provided along an arc of the frame such that for a correspondingdisplay for each of at least two-thirds of the monitors, and for atleast one position facing the displays, a distance between: (a) the atleast one position, and (b) a center of the corresponding display, thedistance varies by no more than about 5% from a distance between the atleast one position and a center of the corresponding display for each ofthe other monitors of the at least two-thirds of the monitors.
 33. Theapparatus of claim 31, wherein at least one of the wheels or rollers isat least partially recessed within the platform.
 34. The apparatus ofclaim 31, wherein at least one of the mountings includes first andsecond rotational members, wherein when a corresponding one of themonitors is attached to the at least one mounting, the first rotationalmember provides a first rotation range for both the second rotationalmember and the corresponding monitor, and the second rotational memberprovides an additional rotation range for the corresponding monitor. 35.The apparatus of claim 31, wherein at least one of the mountingsincludes a predetermined monitor mount hole pattern.
 36. The apparatusof claim 31, wherein for each of at least some of the monitors, acorresponding one of the mountings attaches the monitor to asubstantially horizontal rail of the frame, wherein the correspondingmounting provides a horizontal range of rotation of at least 120 degreesfor the monitor.
 37. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein for each of aplurality of operative user positions for viewing the monitors, whereina corresponding display for each of the monitors faces the position, themonitors are adjustable on the monitor mounting apparatus so that foreach corresponding display, a line of sight thereto from the positionhas no greater than a 5 degree deviation from a normal to thecorresponding display.
 38. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the frameincludes at least one substantially horizontal rail wherein at least oneof the mountings is slidable along the rail.
 39. The apparatus of claim31, wherein the frame includes a substantially horizontal rail forsupporting at least one of the mountings thereon, and further includingan adjustment plate for providing a vertical adjustment of the mountingon the rail, the plate secured between the rail and the at least onemounting, the plate secured separately to each of the rail and the atleast one mounting.
 40. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the wheels orrollers include a ball bearing wheel, a band, a track or a belt to rollrelative to the upwardly facing surface.
 41. The apparatus of claim 31,wherein at least one of the mountings includes first and secondrotational members, wherein when a corresponding one of the monitors isattached to the at least one mounting, the first rotational memberprovides a first rotation range for both the second rotational memberand the corresponding monitor, and the second rotational member providesan additional rotation range for the corresponding monitor.
 42. Theapparatus of claim 7, further comprising the plurality of monitors. 43.The apparatus of claim 7, wherein at least one of the mountings includesa monitor mount having a predetermined monitor mount hole pattern. 44.The apparatus of claim 7, wherein for each monitor of at least some ofthe monitors, a corresponding one of the mountings attaches the monitorto a horizontal rail of the frame, wherein the corresponding mountingprovides a horizontal range of rotation of at least 120 degrees for themonitor.
 45. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein for each position of aplurality of operative user positions for viewing the monitors wherein acorresponding display for each of the monitors faces the position, themonitors are adjustable on the frame so that for each of thecorresponding displays, a line of sight thereto from the position has nogreater than a 5 degree deviation from a normal to the correspondingdisplay.
 46. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the frame includes atleast one substantially horizontal rail wherein at least one of themountings is horizontally slidable along the rail.
 47. The apparatus ofclaim 7, wherein the wheels or rollers include a band, a track or a beltthat rotates when the platform moves along the predetermined path. 48.The apparatus of claim 7, wherein at least one of the mountings includesfirst and second rotational members, wherein when a corresponding one ofthe monitors is attached to the at least one mounting, the firstrotational member provides a first rotation range for both the secondrotational member and the corresponding monitor, and the secondrotational member provides an additional rotation range for thecorresponding monitor.
 49. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein theplatform includes rollers at least partially recessed within theplatform.
 50. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising theplurality of monitors.
 51. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein themountings include a monitor mount having a predetermined monitor mounthole pattern.
 52. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein for each monitor ofat least some of the monitors, a corresponding one of the mountingsattaches the monitor to a horizontal rail of the frame, wherein thecorresponding mounting provides a horizontal range of rotation of atleast 120 degrees for the monitor.
 53. The apparatus of claim 10,wherein for each position of a plurality of operative user positions forviewing the monitors wherein a corresponding display for each of themonitors faces the position, the monitors are adjustable on the frame sothat for each of the corresponding displays, a line of sight theretofrom the position has no greater than a 5 degree deviation from a normalto the corresponding display.
 54. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein theframe includes at least one substantially horizontal rail wherein atleast one of the mountings is horizontally slidable along the rail. 55.The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the wheels or rollers include a wheelhaving ball bearings, a band, a track or a belt that rotates when theplatform moves along the predetermined path.
 56. The apparatus of claim10, further comprising one or more wheels or rollers for rolling theplatform on the upwardly facing surface, wherein the wheels or rollersmove over the upwardly facing surface without traveling within anoperatively constraining track or channel for at least a portion of atravel extent for the wheels or rollers, each wheel or roller having anextent that rotatably contacts the upwardly facing surface when theplatform moves along the predetermined path.
 57. A computer monitormounting apparatus for mounting a plurality of monitors, comprising: aplatform having at least one guide attached thereto, wherein the guidealso contacts an upwardly facing surface so that the guide maintains theplatform on a predetermined path along the upwardly facing surface whenthe platform moves on the upwardly facing surface; a frame extendingabove the platform and attached thereto for moving with the platformwhen the platform moves along the predetermined path, the frameproviding mountings for supporting a plurality of the computer monitorsabove the platform; wherein the guide includes parts that move relativeto one another within a space between the upwardly facing surface andthe platform; and one or more wheels or rollers for rolling the platformon the upwardly facing surface, wherein the wheels or rollers move overthe upwardly facing surface without traveling within a track or channelfor at least a portion of a travel extent for the wheels or rollers,each wheel or roller having an extent that rotatably contacts theupwardly facing surface when the platform moves along the predeterminedpath; and wherein the mountings include a monitor mount, the monitormount including a frame attachment portion for attaching to the frame,and an angular adjustment component that adjusts a display face of oneof the monitors attached to the monitor mount, wherein the angularadjustment provides one of a vertical tilt of the display face, and ahorizontal angular adjustment of the display face.
 58. The apparatus ofclaim 57, wherein for each monitor of at least some of the monitors, acorresponding one of the mountings attaches the monitor to a horizontalrail of the frame, wherein the corresponding mounting provides ahorizontal range of rotation of at least 120 degrees for the monitor.59. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein for each position of a pluralityof operative user positions for viewing the monitors wherein acorresponding display for each of the monitors faces the position, themonitors are adjustable on the frame so that for each of thecorresponding displays, a line of sight thereto from the position has nogreater than a 5 degree deviation from a normal to the correspondingdisplay.
 60. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein the frame includes asubstantially horizontal rail for supporting at least one of themountings thereon, and further including an adjustment plate forproviding a vertical adjustment of the mounting on the rail, the platesecured between the rail and the at least one mounting, the platesecured separately to each of the rail and the at least one mounting.61. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein the wheels or rollers include aband, a tracks, or a belt that rotates when the platform moves along thepredetermined path.
 62. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein at least oneof the mountings includes first and second rotational members, whereinwhen a corresponding one of the monitors is attached to the at least onemounting, the first rotational member provides a first rotation rangefor both the second rotational member and the corresponding monitor, andthe second rotational member provides an additional rotation range forthe corresponding monitor.
 63. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein foreach of a plurality of operative user positions for viewing themonitors, wherein a corresponding display for each of the monitors facesthe position, the monitors are adjustable on the monitor mountingapparatus so that for each corresponding display, a line of sightthereto from the position has no greater than a 5 degree deviation froma normal to the corresponding display.
 64. The apparatus of claim 13,wherein the mountings including a rail and a monitor mount horizontallyslidable along the rail.
 65. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein thewheels or rollers include a band, a track or a belt that rotates whenthe platform moves along the predetermined path.
 66. The apparatus ofclaim 13, further comprising wherein at least one of the mountingsincludes first and second rotational members, wherein when acorresponding one of the monitors is attached to the at least onemounting, the first rotational member provides a first rotation rangefor both the second rotational member and the corresponding monitor, andthe second rotational member provides an additional rotation range forthe corresponding monitor.
 67. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein theframe includes at least one substantially horizontal rail wherein atleast one of the mountings is slidable along the rail.
 68. The apparatusof claim 11, wherein the wheels or rollers include a wheel having ballbearings, a band, a track or a belt that rotates when the platform movesalong the predetermined path.
 69. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein atleast one of the mountings includes first and second rotational members,wherein when a corresponding one of the monitors is attached to the atleast one mounting, the first rotational member provides a firstrotation range for both the second rotational member and thecorresponding monitor, and the second rotational member provides anadditional rotation range for the corresponding monitor.
 70. Theapparatus of claim 12, wherein for each monitor of at least some of themonitors, a corresponding one of the mountings attaches the monitor tothe at least one rail of the frame, wherein the corresponding mountingprovides a horizontal range of rotation of at least 120 degrees for themonitor.
 71. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein for each of a pluralityof operative user positions for viewing the monitors, wherein acorresponding display for each of the monitors faces the position, themonitors are adjustable on the monitor mounting apparatus so that foreach corresponding display, a line of sight thereto from the positionhas no greater than a 5 degree deviation from a normal to thecorresponding display.
 72. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein for eachmonitor of at least some of the monitors, a corresponding one of themountings attaches the monitor to a horizontal rail of the frame,wherein the corresponding mounting provides a horizontal range ofrotation of at least 120 degrees for the monitor.
 73. The apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein for each of a plurality of operative user positionsfor viewing the monitors, wherein a corresponding display for each ofthe monitors faces the position, the monitors are adjustable on themonitor mounting apparatus so that for each corresponding display, aline of sight thereto from the position has no greater than a 5 degreedeviation from a normal to the corresponding display.
 74. The apparatusof claim 18, wherein for each of at least some of the monitors, acorresponding mounting attaches the monitor to the rail wherein themounting provides a horizontal range of rotation of at least 120 degreesfor the monitor.
 75. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein for each of aplurality of operative user positions for viewing the monitors, whereina corresponding display for each of the monitors faces the position, themonitors are adjustable on the monitor mounting apparatus so that foreach corresponding display, a line of sight thereto from the positionhas no greater than a 5 degree deviation from a normal to thecorresponding display.
 76. A computer monitor mounting apparatus formounting a plurality of monitors, comprising: a platform having at leastone guide attached thereto for moving the platform above and relative toan exterior upwardly facing surface, wherein the guide is attached to asupport structure that supports the platform so that the guide maintainsthe platform on a predetermined path when the platform moves above andrelative to the exterior upwardly facing surface; a frame extendingabove the platform and attached thereto for moving with the platformwhen the platform moves along the predetermined path, the frame havingattached thereto a plurality of mountings for supporting a plurality ofthe computer monitors on the frame, each of the mountings aligns in apredetermined relationship with a corresponding attachment portion ofone of the monitors when the one monitor and the mounting are attachedto one another; wherein the guide includes parts that move relative toone another when the platform moves along the predetermined path, andwherein the parts are offset from the exterior upwardly facing surfacein a direction of the platform; and wherein when the platform is fullyextended toward a front of the apparatus where a user views displays ofthe plurality of monitors attached to the computer monitor mountingapparatus, a first portion of the guide, fixedly attached to theplatform, extends further toward the front than an entire portion of theguide that is both: (i) fixedly attached to the support structure, and(ii) engages the first portion at least one position for maintaining theplatform on the predetermined path.
 77. The apparatus of claim 76,wherein the guide includes a portion that is fixedly attached to theexterior upwardly facing surface.
 78. The apparatus of claim 76, whereinthe parts include one of: rollers, wheels bearings, and bands.
 79. Theapparatus of claim 76, wherein the parts include at least one memberthat telescopes or is slidable to relative another portion of the guide.80. The apparatus of claim 76, wherein the predetermined path issubstantially for moving the platform toward or away from the front ofthe computer monitor mounting apparatus.
 81. The apparatus of claim 76,wherein at least one of the parts move relative to another one of theparts within a space below the platform.
 82. The apparatus of claim 76,wherein the at least one guide includes a plurality of guides requiredto guide the platform along the predetermined path, each of theplurality of guides satisfying all the limitations of the at leastguide.
 83. The apparatus of claim 76, wherein at least one of themountings includes a predetermined monitor mount hole pattern.
 84. Theapparatus of claim 76, wherein the mountings includes a verticaladjustment plate for aligning a center of a display of one of themonitors with a center of a display with another one of the monitors,the adjustment plate including a vertical hole pattern.
 85. Theapparatus of claim 76, wherein the predetermined path is substantiallyin a straight line.
 86. The apparatus of claim 76, wherein the partsmove relative to one another in a space between the exterior upwardlyfacing surface and the platform.
 87. The apparatus of claim 76, whereinthe first portion of the guide has greater movement relative to theexterior upwardly facing surface than to the platform, and a secondportion of the guide has less movement relative to the support structurethan the first portion, wherein the first and second portions remain inoverlapping engagement when the platform moves throughout thepredetermined path, and when the platform moves in a first directionalong the predetermined path, the first and second portions reduce theiroverlapping engagement, and when the platform moves in a directionopposite to the first direction, the first and second portions increasetheir overlapping engagement.
 88. The apparatus of claim 76, wherein thesupport structure includes a desk, and the exterior upwardly facingsurface is substantially included in a desktop of the desk.
 89. Theapparatus of claim 76, wherein the frame includes a plurality of postsfixedly attached to an upper surface of the platform and extendingvertically therefrom, wherein the posts convey the weight of themonitors to the platform.
 90. The apparatus of claim 76, wherein the atleast one guide retracts and extends during movement of the platformalong the predetermined path.
 91. The apparatus of claim 76, wherein theplatform includes wheels or rollers at least partially recessed withinthe platform.
 92. The apparatus of claim 76, wherein the platform issupported on the upwardly facing surface.
 93. The apparatus of claim 76,wherein the monitors are provided along an arc of the frame such thatfor a corresponding display for each of at least two-thirds of themonitors, and for at least one position facing the displays, a distancebetween: (i) the at least one position, and (ii) a center of thecorresponding display, varies by no more than about 5% from a distancebetween the at least one position and a center of the correspondingdisplay for each of the other monitors of the at least two thirds of themonitors.
 94. The apparatus of claim 76, wherein there is at least onewheel or roller for rolling the platform on the exterior upwardly facingsurface, wherein the wheels or rollers move over the exterior upwardlyfacing surface without traveling within a track or channel for at leasta portion of a travel extent of the platform along the predeterminedpath.